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  4. I took London's new Elizabeth line to the airport and saved almost $20 compared with riding the Heathrow Express

I took London's new Elizabeth line to the airport and saved almost $20 compared with riding the Heathrow Express

Sam Tabahriti   

I took London's new Elizabeth line to the airport and saved almost $20 compared with riding the Heathrow Express
The new line is named after Queen Elizabeth II.Insider
  • The Elizabeth line that runs under central London opened in May and runs trains to Heathrow.
  • I would normally use the Heathrow Express to go to the airport, which costs $30 one-way.

I took London's new Elizabeth line to go to the airport instead of using the Heathrow Express – one of the world's most expensive railways.

I took London
The Elizabeth line train's design is sleek.      Philip Toscano/Getty Images

I took the train from Paddington station, which is where the Heathrow Express terminates, to compare the two services.

I took the train from Paddington station, which is where the Heathrow Express terminates, to compare the two services.
A sign in Paddington station.      Insider

When I arrived at the platform, the train was entering the station and once passengers alighted, cleaners hopped on board.

When I arrived at the platform, the train was entering the station and once passengers alighted, cleaners hopped on board.
The train was easy to find.      Insider

Although train care staff have been around for a while, at least in London, it felt different to other train services. They were many workers and they were very efficient.

Although train care staff have been around for a while, at least in London, it felt different to other train services. They were many workers and they were very efficient.
Staff cleaning the train.      Insider

The Elizabeth line opened in May. It took 23 years to plan and build the line and its stations.

The Elizabeth line opened in May. It took 23 years to plan and build the line and its stations.
The train is 200 meters long.      Insider

The new line was named after Queen Elizabeth II, who inaugurated the line at Paddington station on May 17.

The new line was named after Queen Elizabeth II, who inaugurated the line at Paddington station on May 17.
Queen Elizabeth II uses a ticket machine at Paddington station.      Andrew Matthews/Getty Images

All the Elizabeth Line stations are stylishly designed, and the one at Paddington is so big that London's tallest skyscraper, the Shard, could fit inside if laid flat.

All the Elizabeth Line stations are stylishly designed, and the one at Paddington is so big that London
Elizabeth line at Paddington station.      Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images

When I took the Elizabeth line it was only running to terminals 2 and 3, but I needed to go to terminal 4.

When I took the Elizabeth line it was only running to terminals 2 and 3, but I needed to go to terminal 4.
Some trains run to terminals 2, 3 and 4, while others go to terminals 2,3 and 5.      Insider

Compared with the Heathrow Express, which has been running since 1998, the Elizabeth line has several stops before the airport.

Compared with the Heathrow Express, which has been running since 1998, the Elizabeth line has several stops before the airport.
A sign detailing the stations on the Elizabeth line.      Insider

Once arriving at Heathrow Central station for terminals 2 and 3, I was surprised at how quick the journey had been.

Once arriving at Heathrow Central station for terminals 2 and 3, I was surprised at how quick the journey had been.
The train opening its doors as we reached the airport.      Insider

I was slightly disappointed that I then had to take the Heathrow Express to complete my journey to terminal 4 – but it was free of charge. Two trains an hour now continue to terminal 4, and the other two go to terminal 5, the home of British Airways.

I was slightly disappointed that I then had to take the Heathrow Express to complete my journey to terminal 4 – but it was free of charge. Two trains an hour now continue to terminal 4, and the other two go to terminal 5, the home of British Airways.
Inside the Heathrow Express.      Insider

Buying a ticket on the day to take the Heathrow Express from Paddington to the airport or vice versa costs £25 ($30). The trip takes 15 minutes to terminals 2 and 3, but is only marginally faster than the Elizabeth line and much more expensive.

Buying a ticket on the day to take the Heathrow Express from Paddington to the airport or vice versa costs £25 ($30). The trip takes 15 minutes to terminals 2 and 3, but is only marginally faster than the Elizabeth line and much more expensive.
A Heathrow Express train.      Insider

The Heathrow Express is one of the most expensive railways in the world given its length and high ticket prices. It does now offer a one-way ticket for £5.50 ($6.75) if bought in advance, however.

The Heathrow Express is one of the most expensive railways in the world given its length and high ticket prices. It does now offer a one-way ticket for £5.50 ($6.75) if bought in advance, however.
Ticket gates allow contactless payments with debit and credit cards at all stations on the Elizabeth line.      Leon Neal/Getty Images

Once I got to my final destination, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the journey was even though I had to change trains. It only cost me £10.70 ($13) and took about 20 minutes more.

Once I got to my final destination, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the journey was even though I had to change trains. It only cost me £10.70 ($13) and took about 20 minutes more.
Heathrow's Terminal 4 station.      Insider

The Elizabeth Line, which cost $25 billion to build, has slashed journey times from some parts of London. It only took me 5 minutes from Canary Wharf to Liverpool Street when I tried the new line for the first time.

The Elizabeth Line, which cost $25 billion to build, has slashed journey times from some parts of London. It only took me 5 minutes from Canary Wharf to Liverpool Street when I tried the new line for the first time.
An Elizabeth line train is 200 meters long.      Insider

Seats were what you would expect, but I was most surprised by how clean and empty the train was. Perhaps people are still discovering that it runs to Heathrow.

Seats were what you would expect, but I was most surprised by how clean and empty the train was. Perhaps people are still discovering that it runs to Heathrow.
Inside the train.      Insider

Ultimately, I would definitely take the Elizabeth line instead of the Heathrow Express again – unless I was really pressed for time. It's cheaper, doesn't take too long, and the journey is pleasant and easy.

Ultimately, I would definitely take the Elizabeth line instead of the Heathrow Express again – unless I was really pressed for time. It
Insider's Sam Tabahriti was photographed sitting in the train.      Insider

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